In her personal phrases, 2015 Alumna Alisha Breeding shares how the only dad or mum scholarship helped her earn her bachelor’s diploma. At the moment, she works on the advert company Stone Ward and volunteers with Arkansas Single Mother or father Scholarship to offer again to this system that gave her a lot hope.
In the midst of my junior yr of faculty, in 2013, I discovered myself dealing with an sudden being pregnant. As I weighed my choices and tried to think about what my future would possibly seem like, one factor remained completely clear: I used to be decided to complete my diploma. I had come too far to cease.
After welcoming my stunning daughter in July 2014, I found the Arkansas Single Mother or father Scholarship Fund. At the moment, this system was nonetheless administered on the county degree. I utilized, hoping for a little bit of aid.
What I acquired was life-changing. Turning into a scholarship recipient lifted an incredible weight off my shoulders. I had been carrying the isolation of single parenthood, the stress of working full-time, and the calls for of faculty suddenly. It was one of the difficult durations of my life.
The scholarship not solely offered monetary help — it jogged my memory that I used to be not alone. By way of the group occasions and connections this system fostered, I started to rediscover elements of myself I assumed I had misplaced. It inspired me to step again into the world as a substitute of staying tucked away in survival mode.
That’s the reason, when the chance arose to volunteer with the very group that had as soon as lifted me up, I didn’t hesitate.
Becoming a member of the A Day of Hope Occasion Committee to assist elevate funds for future recipients felt like a full-circle second — a possibility to make sure that others may obtain the identical help and sense of belonging that meant a lot to me.
ASPSF does way over award scholarships; it creates a group, a community of help, and a spot the place single mother and father can really feel seen and inspired. At a time after I wanted it most, that made all of the distinction.
At the moment, I stay dedicated to serving ASPSF as a result of I don’t simply imagine in its mission — I lived its affect. I wish to be an instance for others, together with my daughter, and a reminder that single mother and father are equally deserving of significant careers, secure futures, and lives crammed with chance.
If I can play even a small half in serving to one other dad or mum transfer ahead with confidence and hope, then that’s precisely what I intend to do.
